ja morant

Ja Morant Receives Support From Nike Following Suspension

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Ja Morant has been suspended for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season. The punishment will likely sideline Morant until early December. Subsequently, Morant issued a statement apologizing for his actions. “I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court,” the statement said in part. However, some have met his words with skepticism.

Morant’s suspension, which stems from an incident in May in which Morant flashed a gun on Instagram Live, has also caught the attention of the sneaker world. Days after the incident, Nike removed any trace of Morant’s various sneakers from their website. However, about a week later, Morant’s “Ja 1 Hunger” sold out in minutes. Now that Morant has been formally punished, Nike has also commented on where they stand with the player.

Nike Backs Morant

Nike officially voiced their support for Morant in the hours after his suspension was revealed. “We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court,” the company said in a statement shared by ESPN‘s Ramona Shelburne. Nike has been Morant’s official shoe partner since his 2019 debut. Furthermore, Morant’s initial contract with Nike was reportedly worth somewhere in the region of $12 million.

However, Nike’s response has not been well-received by a number of fans. Some have pointed to the fact that Nike dropped Kyrie Irving after his anti-Semitism scandal. This is being compared to Morant’s numerous off-court issues over the past year. Others pointed out that the statement was likely cover for Nike to avoid admitting that Morant is simply too profitable of a brand to cut ties with. Do you think Nike was right to stick with Morant? Let us know in the comments. Follow all the latest sports and sneakers news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Stephen A. Smith Slams Ja Morant’s Suspension Apology

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Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games by the NBA. While the punishment for flashing a gun on Instagram Live feels light to some, Morant will be sidelined until at least early December. However, the 25-game suspension is in line with both what pundits expected and how the NBA has treated suspensions in recent years. Miles Bridges was suspended for 30 games in April after pleading no contest to felony domestic violence charges.

In the wake of the suspension announcement, Morant released a statement. “I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season. I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you,” the statement read in part.

Stephen A. Doesn’t Buy Morant Apology

“Nobody believes you,” Stephen A. Smith began on First Take. “Nobody believes you. I don’t say that flippantly, I’m a fan of Ja Morant. He’s a superstar that I want this game to celebrate for years and years to come. Me, speaking for everybody here, I believe, not just here at ESPN but in the world of sports. Why would we root against you because it’s better for all of us that you put your greatness on display with no troubles whatsoever because I belive this man is going to win a championship some day.”

He continued. “The reason why you’re not believed is because you already lied. [Morant’s statement] sounds somewhat similar to what you already said on camera months ago with your first suspension. You have to understand that you’re not believed, nobody believes you. You’re at a show and prove point. We know what you can do on the basketball court. But now it’s a show and prove point when it comes to your character. Because you not only looked Adam Silver in the face. You went on national TV, got interviewed by Jalen Rose, and you clearly lied. We hope you’re telling the truth. But if you ask someone to bet money on the veracity and truthfulness of your word…ain’t nobody betting money on that, bro.”

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Ja Morant Issues Apology After Suspension Reveal

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Ja Morant has reportedly been suspended for 25 games after he flashed a gun on Instagram Live in May. While in line with league expectations, the punishment means the Memphis Grizzlies will be without Morant until at least early December. The suspension length was first reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic.

Morant has said very little since he was initially suspended from team activities on May 14. While he did issue an apology after Adam Silver commented on the incident, it was not well received. Morant’s comments were seen as being overly vague and generic. Furthermore, some fans went as to joke that Morant had used a chatbot to generate an apology for him. However, Morant has broken his silence to fully address the incident.

Morant Shares New Apology Following Suspension

Morant’s new apology was first shared by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. “I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much I’ve caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates, and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera – who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me – I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done. To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.”

He continued. “I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold id down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season. I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.” While hitting all the right beats, the apology sounds very similar to the one he gave after his last suspension. Only time will tell as to whether Morant has truly changed. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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Ja Morant Suspension Length Revealed

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As soon as the NBA Finals ended, attention turned to Memphis. Ja Morant had been suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies since May 14 after he flashed a gun on Instagram Live. It was the second time that Morant had done this, earning an eight-game suspension in March after the first incident. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver appeared to imply that the league would be coming down hard on Morant. After revealing that Morant’s punishment would be issued after the Finals, Silver gave a hardline response about the incident.

Amid the support and condemnation of Morant and his actions, there was much debate about how long he would be suspended. The first concrete indication came from Morant’s team. While claiming that the gun was fake, Morant’s team said that they still expected a suspension of around 30 games. This was a prediction echoed by a number of NBA pundits. Furthermore, many people lobbied the NBA to be lenient on Morant. They argued that harsher punishment would not mean the underlying issues went away. However, we now know how much time Morant will miss.

How Long Is Ja Morant’s Suspension?

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, Ja Morant will be suspended for 25 games during the 2023-24 NBA season. Around three times the length of his suspension in March, the revealed punishment is in line with most expectations for his punishment. However, this means that the Grizzlies will likely be without Morant until early December.

While the punishment is certainly impactful, it could have been far worse for Morant and the Grizzlies. However, it’s clear that Adam Silver, despite his vocal bravado about gun safety, is unwilling to remove one of the league’s biggest names. While it pales in comparison to other punishments the NBA has handed in the past, it’s on par with contemporary suspensions given out by the league. Mikail Bridges was given a 30-game suspension in April 2023 after pleading no contest to felony domestic assault charges. Morant has since issued a statement, apologizing for his behavior and promising to do better. Follow all the latest sports news here at HotNewHipHop.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Ja Morant Suspended 25 Games of 2023-24 Season by the NBA

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Ja Morant Speaks at Practice: 'I Never Had an Alcohol Problem'

Ja Morant is suspended by the NBA for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 NBA season. The suspension is said to have conditions for his return to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Before the announcement, Ja Morant’s team issued a statement. His team is floating the message that the gun he was seen with on Instagram Live was a toy.

The report came on The Breakfast Club, stating Morant‘s team in Memphis had owned up to the weapon belonging to a relative in the car, but it wasn’t real. The belief is Morant’s suspension would be 30 games.

Ja Morant is on a self-imposed social media break, but Internet monitors have noticed a change in his social profile. According to The Blast, Morant has unfollowed his childhood friend on Instagram after the second Instagram Live gun flash.

The childhood friend is Davonte Pack, the person on IG live who caught Mroant with a gun in the background. Pack would attempt to drop the camera and hide when Morant flashed the weapon.

In addition to unfollowing Pack, Morant also no longer follows the MBNO clothing brand. MBNO was owned by Pack and stands for My Brothers, No Others.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Ja Morant Suspended 25 Games of 2023-24 Season by the NBA appeared first on The Source.

Rick Ross Supports Kendrick Perkins “Ja Morant To Miami” Take

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There has been a lot of debate surrounding the future of Ja Morant. The NBA is expected to announce a punishment for Morant in the coming days after he was caught on Instagram Live flashing a gun last month. Despite claims from Morant’s team that the gun was fake, the league is expected to hand out a significant suspension.

2023-24 marks the first year of a five-year, $194.3 million extension that Morant signed with the Grizzlies. Furthermore, there is a poison pill trade restriction in place until July 1, if the Grizzlies wanted to trade. However, that hasn’t stopped speculation. Speaking on First Take, Kendrick Perkins said that he wanted to see Morant playing in Miami. “We just got talking about the Miami Heat. That’s the culture and the organization I think he should go to,” Perkins said. “They got the godfather, Pat Riley. There’s nothing that goes down in that city without him knowing about it.”

Rick Ross Offers To Mentor Morant

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Morant to Miami is an interesting, if unlikely, proposal. While the organization would likely be a good informative culture for Morant, it’s hard to see them swinging a trade. First, there are Morant’s behavioral issues. Riley runs a fairly no-nonsense organization, so it’s difficult to see him bring in a rehabilitation project like Morant. Second, Miami is already $87 million over the salary cap and eyeing a blockbuster trade to acquire Bradley Beal.

However, the proposed move has gotten very prominent vote of confidence. Taking to Instagram, Rick Ross posted a simple message to his story. “I can mentor #jamorant in Miami’. While somewhat unorthodox, especially given the recent news of Morant rejecting outreach from the likes of Lil Wayne, it could be just what Morant needs. An influential figure like Ross could get through to Morant in a way that an exec or cultural administrator like Riley couldn’t. So, while the move is unlikely, it’s good to know that there are people willing to help facilitate Morant’s rehabilitation, even if that means moving him away from Memphis.

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Skip Bayless Claims Ja Morant Ghosted Him After Lil Wayne Asked About Setting Up A Meeting

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In a recent episode of his podcast, Fox Sports personality Skip Bayless claimed that Lil Wayne, with whom he has a long-standing friendship, asked if Bayless could set up a meeting between himself and Memphis Grizzlies standout Ja Morant. As Bayless says, while he made an effort, he has yet to hear back from Morant about the opportunity.

“Lil Wayne, I said this on a previous podcast,” Bayless said. “Texted me, he said, ‘Hey, can you connect me with Ja? Because I could help him. I’ve been there. I’ve done all this. I wound up in prison, Rikers Island. I know what happens. I know where you can go wrong, and I know what right.

“I said I’ll try, and I reached out to Ja,” he continued. “‘Would you sit with Lil Wayne? Would you talk with Lil Wayne?’ Wayne would fly to him. He’d fly to Memphis in a heartbeat, tonight. Wayne would private plane it and go right to Memphis if he thought he could save a career and a soul. I got nothing back from Ja, didn’t expect anything back.”

It’s unclear how Bayless was able to get in contact with Morant, who is currently waiting to hear from the NBA about the fallout from its investigation into a recent incident where he waved a gun in a car on Instagram Live. Adam Silver said before the NBA Finals that the league was able to find additional information in its investigation, but explained that it would wait until after the series ended between the Denver Nuggets and the Miami Heat to announce the results.

Skip Bayless Says Lil Wayne Attempted to Meet with Ja Morant to Help But Got No Response

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Skip Bayless Says Lil Wayne Attempted to Meet with Ja Morant But Got No Response

Lil Wayne is hoping he can be a positive influence on Ja Morant. According to Skip Bayless, one of Wayne’s personal friends, Weezy F Baby, reached out asking to be connected with Morant.

“Lil Wayne. I said this on a previous podcast, texted me, he said, ‘Hey, can you connect me with Ja? Because I could help him. I’ve been there, I’ve done all this, I’ve wound up in prison on Rikers Island. I know what happens. I know where you can go wrong, and I know what’s right,.” Bayless revealed. “I said I’ll try. I reached out to Ja. Would you sit with Lil Wayne? Would you talk with Lil Wayne? Wayne would fly to him, he’d fly to Memphis in a heartbeat. I got nothing back from Ja. Didn’t expect anything back.”

Ja Morant’s team has issued a statement with a suspension likely looming. His team is floating the message that the gun he was seen with on Instagram Live was a toy.

The report came on The Breakfast Club, stating Morant‘s team in Memphis had owned up to the weapon belonging to a relative in the car, but it wasn’t real. The belief is Morant’s suspension would be 30 games.

Ja Morant is on a self-imposed social media break, but Internet monitors have noticed a change in his social profile. According to The Blast, Morant has unfollowed his childhood friend on Instagram after the second Instagram Live gun flash.

The childhood friend is Davonte Pack, the person on IG live who caught Mroant with a gun in the background. Pack would attempt to drop the camera and hide when Morant flashed the weapon.

In addition to unfollowing Pack, Morant also no longer follows the MBNO clothing brand. MBNO was owned by Pack and stands for My Brothers, No Others.

This development comes as the league awaits the conclusion of the NBA Finals to determine Morant’s punishment. During his pre-NBA Finals press conference, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver notified NBA fans of an impending Ja Morant punishment.

Speaking in front of the media, Silver revealed the forthcoming disciplinary action would wait until the Finals were over, not to take away from the on-court work and showcase of the Denver Nuggets and Miami HEAT.

READ MORE: Police Visit Ja Morant’s Home After Concerning Instagram Posts Trend Online

“We’ve uncovered a fair amount of additional information, I think, since I was first asked about the situation,” Silver said Thursday. “I will say we probably could have brought it to a head now, but we made the decision, and I believe the players association agrees with us, that it would be unfair to these players and these teams in the middle of the series to announce the results of that investigation.

“Given that we’re of course in the offseason, he has now been suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies indefinitely, so nothing would have changed anyway in the next few weeks. It seemed better to park that at the moment, at least any public announcement, and my sense now is that shortly after the conclusion of the Finals we will announce the outcome of that investigation.”

READ MORE: ‘Terrorized’ Strippers at Denver Club Say They Are Still Waiting on Ja Morant’s Apology

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Ja Morant Reportedly Refused Skip Bayless & Lil Wayne’s Attempts To Help Him

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Ja Morant has been going through a plethora of issues as of late. Overall, it started a few months ago when he flashed a gun at a strip club. However, these issues have actually persisted quite a bit. He flashed another gun while on Instagram Live, and for now, he is being suspended from Grizzlies events. Furthermore, the NBA is planning on delivering a hefty suspension upon Ja. This could be massive, and it will ultimately have some huge consequences on his career.

Now, a lot of people are trying to help Ja and give him some much-needed guidance. Although, it doesn’t seem like Ja Morant is interested in hearing this. According to Skip Bayless, Morant even turned down the help of Lil Wayne. On his podcast, Skip revealed how Wayne reached out to him first. “Lil Wayne texted me,” Skip began. “He said, ‘Hey, can you connect me with Ja? Because I could help him. I’ve been there. I’ve done all this. I wound up in prison on Riker’s Island. [Wayne] knows what happens. I know where you can go wrong and I know what’s right.’”

Read More: Ja Morant Toy Gun Claims Addressed By NBA Commissioner

Ja Morant Wouldn’t Pick Up The Phone

Subsequently, Skip found a way to reach out to the Memphis Grizzlies star. Unfortunately, however, he never actually heard back.  I said, ‘I’ll try.’ I reached out to Ja; ‘Would you sit with Lil Wayne? Would you talk with Lil Wayne?’ Wayne would fly to Memphis in a heartbeat tonight. Wayne would private plane it and go right to Memphis if he thought he could save a career and a soul,” Bayless went on to explain. Needless to say, Ja Morant is keeping things private right now.

Hopefully, Morant is able to turn things around for himself. A lot of people are down on him right now, and it could be a while before he builds that trust back up again. Either way, Skip Bayless nor Lil Wayne will be helping him, anytime soon. Stay tuned to HNHH for more news from around the sports world.

Read More: Cam’ron Warns Ja Morant Not To Be Like Him: “You Can’t Rap!”

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Nike Ja 1 “Ember Glow” Revealed

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Overall, the Nike Ja 1 has been one of the best releases of the entire year as far as signature sneakers are concerned. Although Ja Morant has been going through some issues, there is no doubt that he has been killing the game with his new shoe. This model has already seen its fair share of colorways, and they have all impressed in unique ways. Many of the first few colorways have sought to tell a story. Consequently, fans have been able to connect with the shoe on a deeper level.

Subsequently, fans can expect to see a whole lot more colorways of this sneaker, very soon. While Ja could still see significant punishment from the NBA, Nike seems content with pumping out new models. After all, his shoes are selling out, and that is music to Nike’s ears. Additionally, it is the summer, which means a lot of hoopers will be at the outdoor courts. This makes it prime time to start releasing new colorways. For instance, we have the “Ember Glow” colorway, below.

Read More: Ja Morant Sneakers: Best Nike Ja 1 Colorways

“Ember Glow” Nike Ja 1

Nike Ja 1
Image via Finish Line

Firstly, this shoe is completely covered in red materials. From mesh to leather, this shoe definitely goes heavy on the red aesthetics. From there, we get a blue tongue tab and a blue Nike swoosh. Red and blue are two colors that have always gone together extremely well. Needless to say, that formula also works wonders on the Nike Ja 1. The white midsole and black outsole add to that formula.

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According to Sole Retriever, these kicks are going to be released on July 3rd for $110 USD. These are some bright-colored kicks, and we’re sure we will be seeing a lot of them on the court, very soon. Moreover, if you want a pair, GOAT and Flight Club will have you covered. Let us know what you think of this sneaker, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sneaker world. We will be sure to bring you the biggest releases from the biggest brands.

Image via Finish Line
Nike Ja 1
Image via Finish Line

Read More: Nike Ja 1 “Day One” Officially Unveiled

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